Philippians 4:20
“To our God and Father be glory forever and ever.
Amen.”
It is critical that we begin this study of
Philippians by studying God’s glory, because it should be our top priority in
life. The Westminster Shorter Catechism begins with this simple question: “What
is the chief end of man?” And the answer: “To glorify God and enjoy him
forever.” Our main purpose in life is to glorify God. Therefore everything that we think, say, and do
should be for God’s glory. In Isaiah 26:8 the prophet cries out to God: “Your
name and renown are the desire of our hearts.”
God’s glory should be at the center of this book
on living the Christian life because if it is not, then when we do live out the
challenges and teachings of this book, then we give glory to ourselves and not to
God. When these teachings are seen as a goal themselves, and not a means to a
goal, namely, to glorify God, then this book becomes a checklist of spiritual
accomplishments to feel good about and not a way to lovingly pour ourselves out
to God. Living for God’s glory is the difference between this book radically
transforming our lives for God and having this book become a burdensome
spiritual chore list.
1. What are ways that you are living for God’s
glory? And what are ways that you are viewing the Christian life more like a
checklist? What difference do you notice when you are living for God than when
you are living for yourself and the checklist?
2. How can good things, like ministry, service,
bible study, worship, and more become bad things?
3. What are areas of your life where you have
said, “No way God! Absolutely not!” Missions? Sexual purity? Time? Hobbies?
Future? Career? Control? If you life was more oriented around God’s glory, how
would your view of these things you have said no to God about change?
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